interesting gifts

Crafted by hand, this delightful morral combines rich textures with red, white and rich earthen browns. Artisan members of Peru's Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco first knot the yarn before it is woven on a backstrap loom. The motifs derive from Inca art in an effort to keep the traditional patterns and techniques alive as well as their Andean identity. This texture is known as urpi, which means "dove" in the Quechua language.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art

Embossed by hand with llamas and Inca motifs, this small backpack is a standout. Kathiana Quispe in Peru crafts the sturdy bag from leather and suede with adjustable leather shoulder straps. The fully lined backpack features an interior zipper pocket and a silver-toned buckle closure.

Artistry and expertise are displayed in sublime handloomed creation from the enchanting Guatemalan lands. The Cajola Weavers (Tejedoras de Cajola) use their innate talent to create this cotton handbag whose handy design exudes a stylish beauty. Equipped with a zipper closure, open interior pockets, a back compartment and handles, the piece combines a striped pattern with a gorgeous viridian base hue, creating a sweet tropical aura around the accessory.

Guatemala's splendor brings an exquisite accessory to life through the hands of the talented artisans Patricia and Donaldo. The team combines a geometric handloomed textile in warm hues with a sublime faux leather structure in a matching brown tone, creating this gorgeous handle bag that displays the region's unique elegance. Accented with comfortable handles and a zipper closure, the piece is ideal for completing formal or casual ensembles.